Silvio Berlusconi: Italy's Post-modern Caesar

In 1936, as autumn leaves were slowly falling to the ground in the narrow streets of Milan, the first breath of an extraordinary life was taken in the ordinary house of Luigi Berlusconi and Rosa Bossi. Of course, nobody at the time would have imagined that a child from a modest family would transform over time into one of the most striking figures in Italy. Even Berlusconi himself once said in an interview, "I am a self-made man.

His childhood years were spent during a difficult and uncertain period, shadowed by World War II. However, the ambitious and combative spirit within Berlusconi never lost its light, even during these dark times. Later on, he would use the phrase, "Struggle is the key to success in life.

He continued his education at the University of Milan, where he studied law. During his university life, he worked several part-time jobs to meet his education expenses and to make a living. However, the real turning point in his life was not getting his law degree, but it was his ambitious and entrepreneurial character that established a construction company that changed his life.

As the Marshall Plan's aid, initiated by America during the Cold War against communism, was being poured into Italy, rapidly spinning the wheels of industry, Berlusconi's construction company was also catching the pulse of this rapid change. The sparkle filtering through the towering buildings and expanding factories broadened Berlusconi's vision, and by the early 1970s, he had established the Mediaset company and rapidly entered the media world. He had become a name touching the heart of a country, far beyond the streets of Italy.

By 1986, Berlusconi was not just a media tycoon. As the owner of AC Milan, he held the passion for football and the love of fans in his hands. This opened a door for him to take a bigger step in the political arena. He had become a figure known worldwide. During the 21 years he owned Milan, his numerous achievements only boosted his popularity. He became a hero to the fans, a figure who continued to score goals even outside the football field.

The spark needed for Berlusconi to fully realize his dreams was lit by a hospital administrator named Mario Chiesa. On February 17, 1992, the bribe Chiesa gave to a government official ignited a scandal. No one could have guessed at the time that this event would cause a significant earthquake in Italy's political and business world.

The expansion of the bribery and corruption network deeply shook Italy's political order, and the gap that emerged with the collapse of the Christian Democrats and the Socialist Party gave Berlusconi the chance to realize his childhood dream. By founding the Forza Italia party in 1993, he ushered in a new era in the Italian political scene. On April 27, 1994, Berlusconi, who was born as the child of an ordinary family, had now become the Prime Minister of Italy.

Berlusconi skillfully used his influence, fueled by populist policies, his media power, and his ownership of the AC Milan football club. These were the symbols of his desire for success and indicative of the belief that all paths to victory were permissible. He had managed to climb the steep slopes of the Italian political scene, gaining the love and support of the people.

However, this power and success were overshadowed by numerous blunders and sensational events. Berlusconi often found himself the target of criticism for his controversial statements and arguments. Regarding him, American journalist Alan Friedman said, 'Berlusconi is Italy's post-modern Caesar - both loved and hated, but never ignored.

And so, the story came full circle, concluding in Milan. Berlusconi's life and political journey resembled a mix of an Italian tragedy and comedy. His experiences could be best summed up by his own words, 'Life will always have its highs and lows. The key is to maintain hope even during the most challenging times.'

Berlusconi, with his successes and mistakes, inscribed his name in Italian history as an unforgettable figure. His summarizing saying, 'Those who do not take great risks can never achieve great successes.' encapsulates his story.